We practiced swordfighting for a few hours, but I didn't want to ever stop.
I was too happy, such a feeling of saddness had been lifted. Arddith and I
joked as we swung our blades, laughing at each other when we missed. By the
time I was tired out it was past lunch, and we hadn't even noticed. We
walked back to the main camp and sat in the shade together, eatting some
wild roast bird. I realised that I didn't know much about Arddith. "When
did you become a Medjai warrior?" I asked, while pulling off a blackened
wing from the meat. "I was born in one of the larger tribes of Medjai, one
of the tribes with women and children. They are not usually a fighting
tribe, and they live in one area for many years. Unlike the fighting
tribes, such as this one. We travel to where we are needed." That seemed a
little sad to me, never having a true home. "Isn't it hard, never having
one place to go back to?" He shook his head, smiling a little. He spread
his arms wide, gestering towards the vast sands. "The desert is our home.
It's where we always are." I smiled, watching him. He really loved the
desert, and he felt at peace anywhere in it. "Go on" I urged, excited to
learn all about Arddith's past. "My family was killed in an ambush. I was
far too young to remember, but I've heard of what happened. I was going to
be trained as a Medjai when I got older, but since I was adopted by a clan
of warriors, my entire lifetime was training. I learned to survive in the
desert, and I learned the different beliefs of our clan." He paused and
took a bite of his meat. "I wish I had that." I admitied a bit saddly. "I
am so used to being in one small area, that any place else seems strange
and threating. I like to see new places and things, as long as I have
something to go back to. Or at least someone." I tossed the remaining bones
into the nearby flames. "So you've never left the dessert?" I asked,
changing the subject. He laughed ruefully. "I've always wanted to see what
else the world has to offer, but my duties have kept me here. Besides, I've
never had a reason to leave." He looked out over the view again, as if
wondering what else there was besides sand. "Everything's so different in
America. There's so much luxury, that I've always taken for granted. Like
cars, or air conditioning, or toothbrushes, and grocery stores. Coming here
has really opened my eyes. That's probably what the school had in mind when
they planed the trip. Ya know what? Before this trip, I'd never been away
from home or my family for more than a week! I wonder what they're doing
right now..." I felt the tinge of homesickness begin to appear. It'd been
so long since I'd said goodnight to my mom, or since I'd listened to Kelsey
chatter happily away on the phone. My head hung a little and I tried to
keep the saddness out of my face. Arddith put his arm around me and brushed
a bit of my hair aside. I looked up, surprised by the sudden show of
comfort. "You are almost well enough to return. Then you can see your
family and friends again." I gave a weak smile, leaning towards him a
little. "Yeah, I guess. I'll have to get a new plane ticket, but that'll be
no problem. But Arddith, I'm going to miss you so much..." He nodded a
little bit, looking from the desert towards me. "And I you. But do not
think of that now. It's not the future that we should concentrate on, but
the moment we're in. That is the best way to live life." I smiled. "How're
you so wise?'' I asked jokingly. He chuckled a bit, returning my gaze.
"When you live in tune with what is around you, you can only gain much
understanding." We spent the rest of the afternoon talking about our pasts,
I was eager to know all about Arddith's days as a boy, and he listened with
intrest to my tales about school and my home. It was by far the best day
I'd had since I'd gotten on the plane to Egypt.
A few days passed, each one as wonderful as the last. Arddeth and I were always together, talking, or just enjoying each other's presence. One morning I woke up to find Ardeth waiting just outside, holding onto the reins of two horses. One was his velvet black stallion, the other was a creamy grey and red mare. "Would you like to go for a ride?" he asked. I couldn't stop the smile that appeared on my face. "Yeah!" I climbed up into the saddle, with a hand from Arddith. We didn't try to scramble down the rocky face of the cliff wall, but instead turned and began gallpoing across the endless strech of sands behind us. The horses' hoves dug deep into the sand, they ran in sheer joy of life. I laughed out loud and leaned foward a bit. Arddith's horse came galloping along side my own, and we raced for a while. Now Arddith pulled ahead, now me. We ran like that for a long time, not knowing how far we went. Finally the horses slowed down, their sides heaving in exhasution. I brushed my hair out of my face, breathing hard. "That..was fun!" I exclaimed. Ardeth slowed down beside me, trying to catch his breath. On our right was a small strech of green, apparently a small oais. We dismounted and slowly lead the tired horses towards it, hoping there was fresh water. The camp was too far behind us to be seen. I sighed as we steped under the cool shade of plam trees, enjoying being out of the beating sunlight. Arddith went ahead of me, brushing the overgrown foilage aside. There was a little clearing, with a stream twisting it's way along the middle of it. Allowing time for the horses to drink, we sat under a paticulary large tree to watch. "That was so cool. It was like...flying." I said, still excitied by the ride. Arddith nodded. "Yes, I like to get away from the harsh life of a warrior sometimes" he confesed, looking thoughtful. "I think just ridding as fast as you can without looking back is the best way to do that." I picked a small blade of grass and absently twirled it between my fingers. "I'd like to do that." I thought outloud. "Just ride away, never look back. But things sometimes hold you back, family, education, a job...I bet alot of people would like to do that. Just get away. Life's not easy for you, is
it?" I questioned, turning my attention from the grass to Arddith. A shadow of saddness seemed to cross his features. "No, it never is." He lightened a bit. "But life can be a gift, if you know how to make it so." He said. Of course life could be wonderful, if you were happy. If you had someone to share it with. I gently leaned my head against his shoulder, and he put his arm around me. This felt so...perfect. Being with him. I felt like I never wanted to leave that spot, just sitting there, together. I just sort of sighed and snuggled closer, happier than I'd ever been in my life. We sat there for a long time, not saying anything, not needing to say anything, untill the sun began to get low in the sky.
We rode into the camp just as the last flickers of sunlight died away, and the flames of the campfires began to dance. I led the horses over to their pen and took off their saddles, talking gently to them under my breath. Arddith went and got us some food from the other Medjai. I didn't hear them teasing him. "Where did you two go off to for so long?" One of them taunted. He was younger than Arddith, and his face was soot smugged. "Yeah, you were gone all day." Another pipped up. A few began whispering comments about where we might have been (or doing), but stopped abruptly from a look from Arddith that could kill. "You are warriors of god. You must respect your fellow man, and in this case woman. If I hear otherwise, you shall answer to me. Is that clear?" he said. His voice remained flat and hard the whole time, but there was an angry flash in his eyes that made the other warriors simply nod. "Forgive us, we were just joking around" an older Medjai said. The angry look faded from his eye, and he nodded. "I understand. I apoligize my harsh words. All I ask is that you treat her with respect." With that he turned and walked away, leaving the small group quiet. I finished up with the horses and walked over to the cave, sitting down outside it, next to Arddith. "What's for dinner?" I asked happily. He quietly handed me an orange fruit and a piece of flakey bread, which was still warm from the fire. "Mmm." I commented, and began to gingerly chew the strange fruit. He didn't say anything, and his face was blank. I cocked an eyebrow and moved myself into his line of vision. "Are you ok?" I asked, genuinely concerned. He seemed to snap out of a trance, and his eyes quickly went back into focus. "Yes, I was just thinking." "What about?" I asked gently. He looked like he thought for a moment more before shaking his head, seeming to make up his mind. "Nothing. Nothing at all." I was surprised that he took me into a hug, but returned the kind gesture. I pressed my cheek against his coarse robes, breathing in his scent. He smelled like the desert wind...
Arddith came over to Erika, a little unsettled after his encounter with the group of warriors. Why did I become so upset at their jokes? He wondered. I didn't mean to snap at them, I knew they weren't serious...but still, the thought of anyone acting like that around her makes me angry. I believe I care for her more than I know... He sat down near the cave entrance, where every night for the past month Erika had slept, and he'd kept watch. She quickly sat down next to him, but he was still wrestling with his emotions. "Are you ok?" she asked, grabbing his attention. She's always so concerned for me...I shouldn't have paid any mind to what the other Medjai said. I should just enjoy being with her, before she's gone...He abruptly pulled her into a hug, which she quickly returned. He wondered what had possesed him to do that. Her scent is so soft, like rain. They had no idea that their thoughts were the same, and they just sat there for a while.
I didn't remember going to bed that night, I asumed I'd fallen asleep while leaning against Arddith and watching the stars. I woke up in my normal place besides the dead fire, and as usual Arddith was nowhere to be seen. I ran the comb through my hair and brushed my dress off (which by now had a few tears in it). I straightened up, putting away my sketchbook and comb, brushing out the cold coals from the firecircle. The sun was just appearing above the sand dunes, and I walked out of the cave, taking a deep breath. Just like yesterday Arddith was waiting outside, holding onto the reins of his black stallion (the other roan wasn't there) "Are we going for another ride?" I asked, pleased. Arddith shook his head, saddly. "No" he answered quietly. "You are well enough to return to the city" he said, barely above a whisper. My heart froze, actually skipped a beat. I couldn't imagine leaving here. Leaving Arddith..."I...But I....oh." was all I managed to get out. Of course I missed my family, but to be honest I hadn't thought of them at all in the past week. I'd been too happy, enjoying every minute. Now I'd go back to America...Arddith interupted my thoughts. "We shall ride to Cario, where you can find a plane going to America. If I remember correctly, your trip group should be heading back tomorow." I just nodded numbly. "If we wish to make it there before dark, we should leave now" he said, not looking up. ''Uh, yeah. I'll...just go get my pack." I made my way back into the dark cave, reaching over and grabbing the strap of my pack, and hooking my knife to my belt. I didn't dwell for long, but I gave one last look around at what had been my 'home' for a month, that felt like a lifetime. Why now, just when I was getting close to my first true love? I went back out and Arddith haddn't moved. The other warriors nodded to me as I passed, and I tried hard not to let the tears squeeze out. Arddith bent over and gave me a leg up onto the tall horse, then pulled himself up behind me. I felt the saddness lift for a moment at his closeness, untill I realized that this would be the last time I could be near him. We manuvered our horses down the steep cliff, and trotted past the ancient ruins of the City of the Dead. I looked at it, remembering that fateful night when I ran in to help Arddith. Then we began the long journey across the desert, ridding into the endless sea of gold. The same gold as his eyes.
For most of the ride we were quiet, I was mostly just enjoying being near Arddith, his arms around me holding the reins. The sun was getting higher and higher, and I could feel the heat pressing my face and lungs. Once in a while a small wind would stir the heavy air, but that wasn't much help. With the breeze would be sand, which would burn my eyes and throat. I lost track of the time, and could have fallen asleep from the steady rocking of the horses hoves. I began to notice the winds becoming more than mere breezes. The sand was swirling steadily now, starting in little bursts, then almost waves. "It's a sandstorm!" Arddith shouted suddenly. He threw himself sideways, bringing me with him. We hit the groud just as a huge cloud of sand began to whip around. He threw his arm over my face to protect it. I huddled down as close as I could to the ground, hidding my face in his arm. The horse turned and used his body as a shield, and Arddith covered his face in my hair. The 'waves' of sand washed over us, burying us alive. We clung together as the sands whipped and tore, it felt like a tornado. Then as quickly as it had started, it stopped. The sands settled, and it looked as if nothing had happened. I sat up, pushing almost a foot of sand off myself, still clinging to Arddith and looked around. "It's over?" I asked, amazed. He lifted his own face and nodded. He pulled me to my feet while I looked around, still shocked. It had been like being in a blender, and the plug had been pulled. "That...was wierd." I said in my 'oh-so-very-confused' voice. "Sandstorms are one of the most deadly parts of the desert. They can bury a man alive in seconds, where he will never be found. We were lucky, it was small." My largest fear, above drowing, above getting lost, above EVERYTHING, was being burried alive. If I had to be burried alive, I'd rather be in sand, so that I would choke to death right away. But the thought of being under hard packed dirt, in a coffin, no way to get out or be heard...Scared me to death. I began to shiver, despite the heat. Arddith noticed and looked concerned. "Are you hurt?" he asked. I rubbed the backs of my hands, which were red and raw from the sands. But I nodded and tried to push the scary thought out of my head. It had nothing to do with now, I wasn't going to be burried alive. Arddith went and got the horse, checking to make sure he was alright before we set off again. "Thank you." I said quietly, not wanting to disturb the comfortable quiet between us. "You don't need to thank me" was all he replied with. I just grinned.
The air had cooled off and the sun was setting when I first caught a glimps of the city. Arddith noticed it at the same time that I did, and we both looked at each other, thinking the same thing. This was it..."How about one more run?" he asked, and before I could answer he spurred the horse into a gallop, and we went flying over the dark sands. The wind threw my hair back and I smiled, filled with the same rushing joy I'd felt before. All thoughts of anything flew out of my head, I hadn't a care in the world. There was only the sand, stars, and us. Arddith laughed along with me as we soared across the ground, both of us feeling the exact same sense of sheer happiness. But before I knew it the lights of the city were aproaching, and the buildings were becoming closer. The horse slowed to a canter, and a trot, and finally a walk. All the saddness settled back on my shoulders, and we reached the edge of the city. Arddith drew the horse to a stop and I quietly clambored down. "I shall not go with you into the city, my people are not regarded with kindness in this place of civilazation." I gazed up at him, the tears WAY to strong to stop. "Arddith, thank you. For saving me, for teaching me, for being with me, for being you. I don't know how I'll go on without you." Arddith gazed back, my sorrow reflecting in his eyes. "As I've told you, you are 'Protector'. You are strong." He kissed my hand lightly, and gave it a last squeeze before turning his horse around. It was best if he just left, I knew that, but my heart couldn't take this pain. "Arddith, I love you!" I called as he began back. He turned around and whispered "I love you, too." just loud enough so that I could hear him. I don't know if it was my imagination, or just the last rays of sunlight, but I think I saw a tear glisten at the corner of his eye. He turned and galloped into the darkness. I just stood there, feeling dead inside. It was so unfair, he was a Medjai and I was an American. Our lives were so different, so far away. I would have never guessed that our paths would meet, but they did, and now my heart screamed out to go with him. But I couldn't, this wasn't my life. I turned and headed into the city, trying just not to feel.
I traded in my plane ticket for a flight that night, I didn't want to run into my travel group on the way home. They, of course, thought I was already home. I sat in the small airport for an hour or two, like a zombie. I did have time to pick up my things from the hotel, which had been emptied from my room into the lost and found. I guess they assumed that I'd left in a big hurry to get home and help my brother, and I'd forgotten my things. The announcement gave over the speaker for my flight, and I quietly went up the terminal, taking great care not to look back. I knew it would just make me cry again. I hate to cry. Samantha (the stewardess) was nowhere to be seen, since this wasn't the same flight home. I changed on the plane into my old clothes, which felt very strange after only wearing an egyptian dress for a month. When they served a midnight snack, I was amazed at the food. Sure, airline food was really bad, but I'd been eatting home grown/hunted food for a while. Everything, from the cushy seats to the overhead lights, seemed strange. I fell asleep while flying over the Atlantic, and I was so plum tired that I didn't wake up till almost the end of the flight. It was morning and we were flying through mountains of fluffy, pink clouds. The announcer said we'd be landing shortly. ::Sigh:: I was happy about seeing my family, but mostly my thoughts stayed on everything I'd left behind.
We got at the airport and I was shocked at how loud and crowded it was. In reality, it wasn't actually a vary busy day at the airport, but to me it seemed like alot. I felt small and meak, which I'd never felt before in a public place. The lights were to bright, the floors too hard, and everything was just moving. I pushed my way through the bustle and called my parents. They were surprised to hear from me a day early, and I easily lied, telling them that the plane had been early. Apparently the school hadn't even called them to make sure I'd gotten home alright (which I of course hadn't, so I guess I should have been grateful...) They arived an hour later, and there was much hugging and crying and exclaiming. I hadn't noticed how uch I'd missed them (though not as much as I missed Arddith) I didn't like lying to my parents, having to make up all sorts of stories about the trip. I couldn't tell them I'd gotten lost and I'd stayed in the desert for a month with a tribe of warriors. We drove home, where my friends were waiting, having heard the news from my parents. They all tackeled me as soon as I set foot inside the door. I was crushed under a pile of happy teens, and they didn't let me up untill they were done hugging me to death. We escaped to my room and began to happily chat, which was mostly about how much I'd been missed. "So" Krissy said, after all the excitement had died down. "Whatcha get us?" I just laughed and rolled my eyes, dragging my pack over. I tried to hide the fact that it was torn and covered with sand. I also thanked god that I'd done my shopping early. First came presents, all the little statues and nicknacks. Then I showed them my dresses, which they oohed and ahhhed over. Then I pulled out my knife, which they went nuts over. Krissy and Kelsey, (being the violent girls they were) grabbed it and examined it, turning it every which way. "Be careful..'' I warned. "It's really sharp." Krissy brandished it, pretending to be a greek warrior goddess (or something). "All hail Krissy, deadly warrior!" I laughed with everyone else, while mentally trying to stop myself form correcting her stance. "So I guess you weren't killed by bandits, huh?" said Ryan jokingly. I plastered a fake smile on and just nodded. He had NO idea how ironic that sounded. Krissy was still having fun twirling the knife around (what did I tell you about her being violent?) "Do you know how to use that at all?" Steven asked, motioning towards the knife. I replaced the fake smile with a real grin, not able to resist the urge to show off a little. "A bit..." I answered. I stood up and asked them all to scoot back a bit. Krissy reluctantly gave up the knife. I postioned myself, imagining Arddith in front of me, and still being in the desert. Once my mind was in that place, I began a series of strikes and slashes, each meant to disarm. Then I ran through all my blocking moves, warding off an attacking sword that didn't exist. I finsished with a series of attacks, cutting upward and doging back. I froze with the knife an inch from Krissy's face. They all stared, open jawed. "Hehhee..sorry Krissy." I said blushing. I slid it back into it's sheath. It had been just like being back there, and it brought on another wave of saddness, which I tried to hide. "Where...did you learn..to DO THAT!" Krissy exclaimed, the first one to snap out of it. "THAT WAS AMAZING!" Bunny shouted, wide eyed. Steven was still sitting, his mouth agape. "Este, I could practically see you fighting someone!" Ryan said in wonder. I just blushed more, kinda pleased with myself. I didn't think I was any good, I could never win against a warrior. Still, my friends hadn't even seen a fight, they didn't know what it looked like. I waved my hand in front of Stevens face. "Steve?" I asked, concerned. "I think you shocked her to death." Krissy said skeptically. He snapped out of it and just said "wow..." The rest of the afternoon was spent in happy chatter, which I felt somewhat out of place in. Once in a while I would unknowingly get a faraway look, as my thoughts drifted to Arddith. I missed him so much, and I'd only left a day ago. Still, it felt like a part of my heart had withered up and died. Even though I tried to hide my sorrow with smiles and cheerful words, Krissy would notice my faraway looks. "Este, are you ok?" she asked. That was Krissy, very perceptive. She always knew how other people were feeling. "What?" I said, snapping back to attention. "Penny for your thoughts?" she said. The others got quiet and looked at me, curious. "Oh, yeah. I'm fine! I just kinda miss Egypt. It was great..." Krissy nodded, believeing me when I said I was fine. I wasn't. "I felt that way about Germany. I missed my friends too much, though, and I was happy to come home. I'm sure you'll feel relieved to be home once youve gotten a good nights sleep." I nodded, pretending to agree. I knew I would never feel relieved, it was as if the desert was a part of me. That night I stayed up late, looking at my drawing of Arddith.
I woke up at dawn, as usual. My parents were very surprised to find me awake and ready for school when they came down for breakfast. Instead of eatting a bowl of cereal, like I used to, I just had a piece of fruit. My parents exchanged odd glances.
That day I had school, which I went to. In Mr. Krillons class, he asked me privatly if my brother was alright. For a second I didn't know what he was talking about, but it dawned on me and I reasured him. "I'm just sorry you had to leave so early in the trip" he said. "Yeah, me too. I had really been looking foward to it. But that's ok, I was happier to be with my brother." I hated to lie, but now I was on a roll. "Maybe next year you can come on the new trip. I hear rummor it's going to Africa!" he whispered, like I was special to hear this. "Can't wait." I said. I wanted to get out of there before I accidentaly gave myself away. I didn't look where I was going, and stumbled blindly out to the courtyard. "Watch where you're going!" a snotty voice ordered. I gave an inward sigh and looked up. Just as I'd feared, I'd walked right into the mist of a group of populars. And not just any populars, this was the worst group in the school. They walked around in a large click, verbally attacking anyone who got in their way. "Sorry." I grumbled inaudably. "Aren't you one of those 10th graders who went to Egypt?" she asked, her voice dripping scarcasm. They viewed any and all activities dealing with school as 'dorky'. "Yeah, I did." I said forcefully. I really wasn't in any mood to deal with them. She fliped her dyed black hair over her shoulder and smirked towards her friends. "Why would anyone pay money to see a whole lot of sand?" I felt anger rising up inside me. "Yeah" another snob added. "I bet all you guys did was look at old rocks and get gross sun burns.'' They had no idea what I'd been through..."Yeah, and the only other people around were smelly guys with towels on their heads who rode donkeys." That did it, I snaped. I swirled around and snaped off a branch of a nearby bush. Without thinking or heasitating I went into swordfight mode, and cut the branch upwards. She wailed a high pitched yell as the branch sliced across her face, leaving a long, thin red line through her makeup and across her face.. I knew they considered themselves too cool to tell a teacher what I'd done, but they'd never give me peace now. I still didn't pause, but in one fluid motion turned and ran for it, before there were any more wittnesses. The prep pulled herself up, big fake tears in her eyes. "She broke my nail! She's a physco!" Her 'friends' rushed over to help her up (after the immidate threat was gone). I stumbled through the courtyard, the tears bluring my vision. A rush of saddness and longing had come over me, I wanted to be with Arddith right now more than anything. This place was just a big popularity contest, not a school. All they did was try to win awards. I hid behind a tree, with my back to the trunk. I pulled my knees up to my face and just cried, miserable. I knew that once the preps fixed their makeup and applied another fake nail, they'd come looking for me. They may not be smart, but they could be brutal in a group. True, they were whimps when it came to brute strength, and the only fighting they could do was an occasionaly slap in the face, but still. And they never got caught, everyone was too afraid to tell on them. I huddled on the ground, feeling more miserable than I ever had before. Now I took back my old wish, about never leaving America. I wished I'd never left Egypt. I shifted to the side, because something in my pack was pressing painfully into my spine. All of a sudden I remembered, and I quickly turned around to rumage through the bag. I pulled out my sand-covered sketchbook with a flush of triumph. As I studdied each picture one by one, I felt the hole in my heart slowly heal. But no matter how precise the drawings were, they were still just that. Drawings. Nothing could compare to the real senset, or the real shopkeeper in the market. Then I got to my picture of Arddith, and the sorrow and tears started afresh. God, I missed him so much, I felt sick. I moved a shaky finger across the drawing, remembering the warmth and happiness I'd felt around him, listening to his voice...I heard the door slam shut, and the popular's high voices calling out angrily. I didn't bother to answer, they'd find me eventually. I jumped about a foot off the ground when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up with my tear stained face into a pair of golden eyes. I gasped, barely able to believe my eyes. "I do not remember you drawing that." he said, motioning to the drawing. It was Arddith! "Arddith!" I yelled. I threw myself upwards into his arms, where he hugged me fiercly. Then, without thinking, our lips met. I didn't even realise it in my overpowering happiness, but we stood there with our lips together for a moment. My eyes closed of their own accord, and I just savored his lips. (Happy Kiki?) I felt all traces of sorrow melt away, the icy hand of loneliness fall away, and was replaced by a burning joy. It felt perfect to be in his embrace, like we fit exactly together. I drew back after a moment and looked at him, dazed, happiness and disbelief on my face. "Arddith, how...why..?" he just smiled and drew me into another hug, and I burried my head in his shoulder and cried in relief. "I couldn't stand to be away from you" he whispered. "Oh, Arddith.." I just kept crying. I'd competly forgotten about the hunting populars. Unfortunatly, they haddn't. Just as I was whiping my tears and was about to ask how he'd gotten here, the group of about 5 girls came around the tree. "Who is that? One said. It was the snob I'd tackeled. "You physco, so now you go out with goths, too?" she replied scarcastically, motioning to Arddith's black attire. The girls with her looked at Arddith strangely, noticing the large sword straped to his belt, and the fact that he wasn't a kid. "Who do you think you are, you geeky little b*tch?" she snarled. The girls behind her were begining to back away, and I was just about ready to tackle her again, when Arddith drew his sword and pointed it at her face. She stood there shocked, her mouth open in mid-insult. "I would not speak to her like that" he warned. His voice was low and threating. She backed up and walked/ran back into the school, practically tripping over her heels. "You're both wacko's!" She tossed over her shoulder before they all retreated into the building. I just rolled my eyes and looked at Arddith. "Those were the populars. They live to ruin other's lives." I explained. He nodded, still looking a bit confused. "But thanks. How did you get here?" I asked, still in disbelief. Arddith returned his sword to it's place. "I missed you, and I needed to see you again." he said softly. "I took some money from the tribes stores and hired a plane here." I was a little shocked. "Won't they get mad that you used the money just to come see me?" He shook his head with a smile. "No, they found the camp to be rather boring without you around." I blushed a bit. "I couldn't stand to be without you..." He sounded timid, almost like a little boy. I wanted to immedatly say how I felt, how upset and empty. I took a moment to organize my thoughts and not just blurt out all my ex-sorrows. Arddith gently held my chin and looked me in the eyes. "Arddith, I want to be with you." I said gently. At that moment, I felt like there was another person in me. Maybe Ari, maybe not. But I knew right then that I couldn't stand to seprate again. "I will be staying in America for a while, if you want me to." he said. I couldn't help giving him another hug and crying "Yes! Stay!" I was only mildly shocked to see his horse by the road, and he gave me a leg up, and we rode towards my house together. I knew that where ever I was, as long as I was with Arddith, my life would be complete.
EPILOUGE
Arddith stayed in America while Estelle finished her education. Even when she went to collage he stayed by her side, through hard times and fun weekends. Kelsey, Krissy, Ryan, and Steven all loved Arddith, and Estelles parents were also very suportive (although they almost had a heart attack when she revealed her 'real' vacation story.) Estelle and Arddith spent many happy years traveling the world together. They were married in the desert a year after her collage graduation. They returned to the desert often, but they had a wonderful home in America. Estelle lived her lifelong dream of acting, and became quite popular for her broadway and films. The public couldn't get enough of 'Estelle Fehr and her loving husband from the desert'. There was a few books written about Estelles life, and everyone's favorite part was the romantic story of how Estelle and Arddith met. Once Estelles friends were married, they would all go on trips together. Arddith and Estelle were happy for all their years, and they spent their whole lives together. They had one son, Odith, who became the Medjai leader after his father. The populars grew up and ended up as wrinkly old maids, without any friends. Estelle and Arddith never took a single moment together for granted, and were eternally in love and happy. Estelle became a very skilled and deadly swordswoman, fighting alongside the Medjai many times. Krissy married a man she met at an anime fest half a year after getting out of high school. Kelsey married a few years after school, a boy she hooked up with through Krissy. Ryan married his high school sweetheart, and they had 2 children. Steven married a millionaire, who made a living by designing toys. Steven was a big help in her job. They all stayed friends for years, and nothing ever came between them, even the distance. And their lives were perfect.
A few days passed, each one as wonderful as the last. Arddeth and I were always together, talking, or just enjoying each other's presence. One morning I woke up to find Ardeth waiting just outside, holding onto the reins of two horses. One was his velvet black stallion, the other was a creamy grey and red mare. "Would you like to go for a ride?" he asked. I couldn't stop the smile that appeared on my face. "Yeah!" I climbed up into the saddle, with a hand from Arddith. We didn't try to scramble down the rocky face of the cliff wall, but instead turned and began gallpoing across the endless strech of sands behind us. The horses' hoves dug deep into the sand, they ran in sheer joy of life. I laughed out loud and leaned foward a bit. Arddith's horse came galloping along side my own, and we raced for a while. Now Arddith pulled ahead, now me. We ran like that for a long time, not knowing how far we went. Finally the horses slowed down, their sides heaving in exhasution. I brushed my hair out of my face, breathing hard. "That..was fun!" I exclaimed. Ardeth slowed down beside me, trying to catch his breath. On our right was a small strech of green, apparently a small oais. We dismounted and slowly lead the tired horses towards it, hoping there was fresh water. The camp was too far behind us to be seen. I sighed as we steped under the cool shade of plam trees, enjoying being out of the beating sunlight. Arddith went ahead of me, brushing the overgrown foilage aside. There was a little clearing, with a stream twisting it's way along the middle of it. Allowing time for the horses to drink, we sat under a paticulary large tree to watch. "That was so cool. It was like...flying." I said, still excitied by the ride. Arddith nodded. "Yes, I like to get away from the harsh life of a warrior sometimes" he confesed, looking thoughtful. "I think just ridding as fast as you can without looking back is the best way to do that." I picked a small blade of grass and absently twirled it between my fingers. "I'd like to do that." I thought outloud. "Just ride away, never look back. But things sometimes hold you back, family, education, a job...I bet alot of people would like to do that. Just get away. Life's not easy for you, is
it?" I questioned, turning my attention from the grass to Arddith. A shadow of saddness seemed to cross his features. "No, it never is." He lightened a bit. "But life can be a gift, if you know how to make it so." He said. Of course life could be wonderful, if you were happy. If you had someone to share it with. I gently leaned my head against his shoulder, and he put his arm around me. This felt so...perfect. Being with him. I felt like I never wanted to leave that spot, just sitting there, together. I just sort of sighed and snuggled closer, happier than I'd ever been in my life. We sat there for a long time, not saying anything, not needing to say anything, untill the sun began to get low in the sky.
We rode into the camp just as the last flickers of sunlight died away, and the flames of the campfires began to dance. I led the horses over to their pen and took off their saddles, talking gently to them under my breath. Arddith went and got us some food from the other Medjai. I didn't hear them teasing him. "Where did you two go off to for so long?" One of them taunted. He was younger than Arddith, and his face was soot smugged. "Yeah, you were gone all day." Another pipped up. A few began whispering comments about where we might have been (or doing), but stopped abruptly from a look from Arddith that could kill. "You are warriors of god. You must respect your fellow man, and in this case woman. If I hear otherwise, you shall answer to me. Is that clear?" he said. His voice remained flat and hard the whole time, but there was an angry flash in his eyes that made the other warriors simply nod. "Forgive us, we were just joking around" an older Medjai said. The angry look faded from his eye, and he nodded. "I understand. I apoligize my harsh words. All I ask is that you treat her with respect." With that he turned and walked away, leaving the small group quiet. I finished up with the horses and walked over to the cave, sitting down outside it, next to Arddith. "What's for dinner?" I asked happily. He quietly handed me an orange fruit and a piece of flakey bread, which was still warm from the fire. "Mmm." I commented, and began to gingerly chew the strange fruit. He didn't say anything, and his face was blank. I cocked an eyebrow and moved myself into his line of vision. "Are you ok?" I asked, genuinely concerned. He seemed to snap out of a trance, and his eyes quickly went back into focus. "Yes, I was just thinking." "What about?" I asked gently. He looked like he thought for a moment more before shaking his head, seeming to make up his mind. "Nothing. Nothing at all." I was surprised that he took me into a hug, but returned the kind gesture. I pressed my cheek against his coarse robes, breathing in his scent. He smelled like the desert wind...
Arddith came over to Erika, a little unsettled after his encounter with the group of warriors. Why did I become so upset at their jokes? He wondered. I didn't mean to snap at them, I knew they weren't serious...but still, the thought of anyone acting like that around her makes me angry. I believe I care for her more than I know... He sat down near the cave entrance, where every night for the past month Erika had slept, and he'd kept watch. She quickly sat down next to him, but he was still wrestling with his emotions. "Are you ok?" she asked, grabbing his attention. She's always so concerned for me...I shouldn't have paid any mind to what the other Medjai said. I should just enjoy being with her, before she's gone...He abruptly pulled her into a hug, which she quickly returned. He wondered what had possesed him to do that. Her scent is so soft, like rain. They had no idea that their thoughts were the same, and they just sat there for a while.
I didn't remember going to bed that night, I asumed I'd fallen asleep while leaning against Arddith and watching the stars. I woke up in my normal place besides the dead fire, and as usual Arddith was nowhere to be seen. I ran the comb through my hair and brushed my dress off (which by now had a few tears in it). I straightened up, putting away my sketchbook and comb, brushing out the cold coals from the firecircle. The sun was just appearing above the sand dunes, and I walked out of the cave, taking a deep breath. Just like yesterday Arddith was waiting outside, holding onto the reins of his black stallion (the other roan wasn't there) "Are we going for another ride?" I asked, pleased. Arddith shook his head, saddly. "No" he answered quietly. "You are well enough to return to the city" he said, barely above a whisper. My heart froze, actually skipped a beat. I couldn't imagine leaving here. Leaving Arddith..."I...But I....oh." was all I managed to get out. Of course I missed my family, but to be honest I hadn't thought of them at all in the past week. I'd been too happy, enjoying every minute. Now I'd go back to America...Arddith interupted my thoughts. "We shall ride to Cario, where you can find a plane going to America. If I remember correctly, your trip group should be heading back tomorow." I just nodded numbly. "If we wish to make it there before dark, we should leave now" he said, not looking up. ''Uh, yeah. I'll...just go get my pack." I made my way back into the dark cave, reaching over and grabbing the strap of my pack, and hooking my knife to my belt. I didn't dwell for long, but I gave one last look around at what had been my 'home' for a month, that felt like a lifetime. Why now, just when I was getting close to my first true love? I went back out and Arddith haddn't moved. The other warriors nodded to me as I passed, and I tried hard not to let the tears squeeze out. Arddith bent over and gave me a leg up onto the tall horse, then pulled himself up behind me. I felt the saddness lift for a moment at his closeness, untill I realized that this would be the last time I could be near him. We manuvered our horses down the steep cliff, and trotted past the ancient ruins of the City of the Dead. I looked at it, remembering that fateful night when I ran in to help Arddith. Then we began the long journey across the desert, ridding into the endless sea of gold. The same gold as his eyes.
For most of the ride we were quiet, I was mostly just enjoying being near Arddith, his arms around me holding the reins. The sun was getting higher and higher, and I could feel the heat pressing my face and lungs. Once in a while a small wind would stir the heavy air, but that wasn't much help. With the breeze would be sand, which would burn my eyes and throat. I lost track of the time, and could have fallen asleep from the steady rocking of the horses hoves. I began to notice the winds becoming more than mere breezes. The sand was swirling steadily now, starting in little bursts, then almost waves. "It's a sandstorm!" Arddith shouted suddenly. He threw himself sideways, bringing me with him. We hit the groud just as a huge cloud of sand began to whip around. He threw his arm over my face to protect it. I huddled down as close as I could to the ground, hidding my face in his arm. The horse turned and used his body as a shield, and Arddith covered his face in my hair. The 'waves' of sand washed over us, burying us alive. We clung together as the sands whipped and tore, it felt like a tornado. Then as quickly as it had started, it stopped. The sands settled, and it looked as if nothing had happened. I sat up, pushing almost a foot of sand off myself, still clinging to Arddith and looked around. "It's over?" I asked, amazed. He lifted his own face and nodded. He pulled me to my feet while I looked around, still shocked. It had been like being in a blender, and the plug had been pulled. "That...was wierd." I said in my 'oh-so-very-confused' voice. "Sandstorms are one of the most deadly parts of the desert. They can bury a man alive in seconds, where he will never be found. We were lucky, it was small." My largest fear, above drowing, above getting lost, above EVERYTHING, was being burried alive. If I had to be burried alive, I'd rather be in sand, so that I would choke to death right away. But the thought of being under hard packed dirt, in a coffin, no way to get out or be heard...Scared me to death. I began to shiver, despite the heat. Arddith noticed and looked concerned. "Are you hurt?" he asked. I rubbed the backs of my hands, which were red and raw from the sands. But I nodded and tried to push the scary thought out of my head. It had nothing to do with now, I wasn't going to be burried alive. Arddith went and got the horse, checking to make sure he was alright before we set off again. "Thank you." I said quietly, not wanting to disturb the comfortable quiet between us. "You don't need to thank me" was all he replied with. I just grinned.
The air had cooled off and the sun was setting when I first caught a glimps of the city. Arddith noticed it at the same time that I did, and we both looked at each other, thinking the same thing. This was it..."How about one more run?" he asked, and before I could answer he spurred the horse into a gallop, and we went flying over the dark sands. The wind threw my hair back and I smiled, filled with the same rushing joy I'd felt before. All thoughts of anything flew out of my head, I hadn't a care in the world. There was only the sand, stars, and us. Arddith laughed along with me as we soared across the ground, both of us feeling the exact same sense of sheer happiness. But before I knew it the lights of the city were aproaching, and the buildings were becoming closer. The horse slowed to a canter, and a trot, and finally a walk. All the saddness settled back on my shoulders, and we reached the edge of the city. Arddith drew the horse to a stop and I quietly clambored down. "I shall not go with you into the city, my people are not regarded with kindness in this place of civilazation." I gazed up at him, the tears WAY to strong to stop. "Arddith, thank you. For saving me, for teaching me, for being with me, for being you. I don't know how I'll go on without you." Arddith gazed back, my sorrow reflecting in his eyes. "As I've told you, you are 'Protector'. You are strong." He kissed my hand lightly, and gave it a last squeeze before turning his horse around. It was best if he just left, I knew that, but my heart couldn't take this pain. "Arddith, I love you!" I called as he began back. He turned around and whispered "I love you, too." just loud enough so that I could hear him. I don't know if it was my imagination, or just the last rays of sunlight, but I think I saw a tear glisten at the corner of his eye. He turned and galloped into the darkness. I just stood there, feeling dead inside. It was so unfair, he was a Medjai and I was an American. Our lives were so different, so far away. I would have never guessed that our paths would meet, but they did, and now my heart screamed out to go with him. But I couldn't, this wasn't my life. I turned and headed into the city, trying just not to feel.
I traded in my plane ticket for a flight that night, I didn't want to run into my travel group on the way home. They, of course, thought I was already home. I sat in the small airport for an hour or two, like a zombie. I did have time to pick up my things from the hotel, which had been emptied from my room into the lost and found. I guess they assumed that I'd left in a big hurry to get home and help my brother, and I'd forgotten my things. The announcement gave over the speaker for my flight, and I quietly went up the terminal, taking great care not to look back. I knew it would just make me cry again. I hate to cry. Samantha (the stewardess) was nowhere to be seen, since this wasn't the same flight home. I changed on the plane into my old clothes, which felt very strange after only wearing an egyptian dress for a month. When they served a midnight snack, I was amazed at the food. Sure, airline food was really bad, but I'd been eatting home grown/hunted food for a while. Everything, from the cushy seats to the overhead lights, seemed strange. I fell asleep while flying over the Atlantic, and I was so plum tired that I didn't wake up till almost the end of the flight. It was morning and we were flying through mountains of fluffy, pink clouds. The announcer said we'd be landing shortly. ::Sigh:: I was happy about seeing my family, but mostly my thoughts stayed on everything I'd left behind.
We got at the airport and I was shocked at how loud and crowded it was. In reality, it wasn't actually a vary busy day at the airport, but to me it seemed like alot. I felt small and meak, which I'd never felt before in a public place. The lights were to bright, the floors too hard, and everything was just moving. I pushed my way through the bustle and called my parents. They were surprised to hear from me a day early, and I easily lied, telling them that the plane had been early. Apparently the school hadn't even called them to make sure I'd gotten home alright (which I of course hadn't, so I guess I should have been grateful...) They arived an hour later, and there was much hugging and crying and exclaiming. I hadn't noticed how uch I'd missed them (though not as much as I missed Arddith) I didn't like lying to my parents, having to make up all sorts of stories about the trip. I couldn't tell them I'd gotten lost and I'd stayed in the desert for a month with a tribe of warriors. We drove home, where my friends were waiting, having heard the news from my parents. They all tackeled me as soon as I set foot inside the door. I was crushed under a pile of happy teens, and they didn't let me up untill they were done hugging me to death. We escaped to my room and began to happily chat, which was mostly about how much I'd been missed. "So" Krissy said, after all the excitement had died down. "Whatcha get us?" I just laughed and rolled my eyes, dragging my pack over. I tried to hide the fact that it was torn and covered with sand. I also thanked god that I'd done my shopping early. First came presents, all the little statues and nicknacks. Then I showed them my dresses, which they oohed and ahhhed over. Then I pulled out my knife, which they went nuts over. Krissy and Kelsey, (being the violent girls they were) grabbed it and examined it, turning it every which way. "Be careful..'' I warned. "It's really sharp." Krissy brandished it, pretending to be a greek warrior goddess (or something). "All hail Krissy, deadly warrior!" I laughed with everyone else, while mentally trying to stop myself form correcting her stance. "So I guess you weren't killed by bandits, huh?" said Ryan jokingly. I plastered a fake smile on and just nodded. He had NO idea how ironic that sounded. Krissy was still having fun twirling the knife around (what did I tell you about her being violent?) "Do you know how to use that at all?" Steven asked, motioning towards the knife. I replaced the fake smile with a real grin, not able to resist the urge to show off a little. "A bit..." I answered. I stood up and asked them all to scoot back a bit. Krissy reluctantly gave up the knife. I postioned myself, imagining Arddith in front of me, and still being in the desert. Once my mind was in that place, I began a series of strikes and slashes, each meant to disarm. Then I ran through all my blocking moves, warding off an attacking sword that didn't exist. I finsished with a series of attacks, cutting upward and doging back. I froze with the knife an inch from Krissy's face. They all stared, open jawed. "Hehhee..sorry Krissy." I said blushing. I slid it back into it's sheath. It had been just like being back there, and it brought on another wave of saddness, which I tried to hide. "Where...did you learn..to DO THAT!" Krissy exclaimed, the first one to snap out of it. "THAT WAS AMAZING!" Bunny shouted, wide eyed. Steven was still sitting, his mouth agape. "Este, I could practically see you fighting someone!" Ryan said in wonder. I just blushed more, kinda pleased with myself. I didn't think I was any good, I could never win against a warrior. Still, my friends hadn't even seen a fight, they didn't know what it looked like. I waved my hand in front of Stevens face. "Steve?" I asked, concerned. "I think you shocked her to death." Krissy said skeptically. He snapped out of it and just said "wow..." The rest of the afternoon was spent in happy chatter, which I felt somewhat out of place in. Once in a while I would unknowingly get a faraway look, as my thoughts drifted to Arddith. I missed him so much, and I'd only left a day ago. Still, it felt like a part of my heart had withered up and died. Even though I tried to hide my sorrow with smiles and cheerful words, Krissy would notice my faraway looks. "Este, are you ok?" she asked. That was Krissy, very perceptive. She always knew how other people were feeling. "What?" I said, snapping back to attention. "Penny for your thoughts?" she said. The others got quiet and looked at me, curious. "Oh, yeah. I'm fine! I just kinda miss Egypt. It was great..." Krissy nodded, believeing me when I said I was fine. I wasn't. "I felt that way about Germany. I missed my friends too much, though, and I was happy to come home. I'm sure you'll feel relieved to be home once youve gotten a good nights sleep." I nodded, pretending to agree. I knew I would never feel relieved, it was as if the desert was a part of me. That night I stayed up late, looking at my drawing of Arddith.
I woke up at dawn, as usual. My parents were very surprised to find me awake and ready for school when they came down for breakfast. Instead of eatting a bowl of cereal, like I used to, I just had a piece of fruit. My parents exchanged odd glances.
That day I had school, which I went to. In Mr. Krillons class, he asked me privatly if my brother was alright. For a second I didn't know what he was talking about, but it dawned on me and I reasured him. "I'm just sorry you had to leave so early in the trip" he said. "Yeah, me too. I had really been looking foward to it. But that's ok, I was happier to be with my brother." I hated to lie, but now I was on a roll. "Maybe next year you can come on the new trip. I hear rummor it's going to Africa!" he whispered, like I was special to hear this. "Can't wait." I said. I wanted to get out of there before I accidentaly gave myself away. I didn't look where I was going, and stumbled blindly out to the courtyard. "Watch where you're going!" a snotty voice ordered. I gave an inward sigh and looked up. Just as I'd feared, I'd walked right into the mist of a group of populars. And not just any populars, this was the worst group in the school. They walked around in a large click, verbally attacking anyone who got in their way. "Sorry." I grumbled inaudably. "Aren't you one of those 10th graders who went to Egypt?" she asked, her voice dripping scarcasm. They viewed any and all activities dealing with school as 'dorky'. "Yeah, I did." I said forcefully. I really wasn't in any mood to deal with them. She fliped her dyed black hair over her shoulder and smirked towards her friends. "Why would anyone pay money to see a whole lot of sand?" I felt anger rising up inside me. "Yeah" another snob added. "I bet all you guys did was look at old rocks and get gross sun burns.'' They had no idea what I'd been through..."Yeah, and the only other people around were smelly guys with towels on their heads who rode donkeys." That did it, I snaped. I swirled around and snaped off a branch of a nearby bush. Without thinking or heasitating I went into swordfight mode, and cut the branch upwards. She wailed a high pitched yell as the branch sliced across her face, leaving a long, thin red line through her makeup and across her face.. I knew they considered themselves too cool to tell a teacher what I'd done, but they'd never give me peace now. I still didn't pause, but in one fluid motion turned and ran for it, before there were any more wittnesses. The prep pulled herself up, big fake tears in her eyes. "She broke my nail! She's a physco!" Her 'friends' rushed over to help her up (after the immidate threat was gone). I stumbled through the courtyard, the tears bluring my vision. A rush of saddness and longing had come over me, I wanted to be with Arddith right now more than anything. This place was just a big popularity contest, not a school. All they did was try to win awards. I hid behind a tree, with my back to the trunk. I pulled my knees up to my face and just cried, miserable. I knew that once the preps fixed their makeup and applied another fake nail, they'd come looking for me. They may not be smart, but they could be brutal in a group. True, they were whimps when it came to brute strength, and the only fighting they could do was an occasionaly slap in the face, but still. And they never got caught, everyone was too afraid to tell on them. I huddled on the ground, feeling more miserable than I ever had before. Now I took back my old wish, about never leaving America. I wished I'd never left Egypt. I shifted to the side, because something in my pack was pressing painfully into my spine. All of a sudden I remembered, and I quickly turned around to rumage through the bag. I pulled out my sand-covered sketchbook with a flush of triumph. As I studdied each picture one by one, I felt the hole in my heart slowly heal. But no matter how precise the drawings were, they were still just that. Drawings. Nothing could compare to the real senset, or the real shopkeeper in the market. Then I got to my picture of Arddith, and the sorrow and tears started afresh. God, I missed him so much, I felt sick. I moved a shaky finger across the drawing, remembering the warmth and happiness I'd felt around him, listening to his voice...I heard the door slam shut, and the popular's high voices calling out angrily. I didn't bother to answer, they'd find me eventually. I jumped about a foot off the ground when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up with my tear stained face into a pair of golden eyes. I gasped, barely able to believe my eyes. "I do not remember you drawing that." he said, motioning to the drawing. It was Arddith! "Arddith!" I yelled. I threw myself upwards into his arms, where he hugged me fiercly. Then, without thinking, our lips met. I didn't even realise it in my overpowering happiness, but we stood there with our lips together for a moment. My eyes closed of their own accord, and I just savored his lips. (Happy Kiki?) I felt all traces of sorrow melt away, the icy hand of loneliness fall away, and was replaced by a burning joy. It felt perfect to be in his embrace, like we fit exactly together. I drew back after a moment and looked at him, dazed, happiness and disbelief on my face. "Arddith, how...why..?" he just smiled and drew me into another hug, and I burried my head in his shoulder and cried in relief. "I couldn't stand to be away from you" he whispered. "Oh, Arddith.." I just kept crying. I'd competly forgotten about the hunting populars. Unfortunatly, they haddn't. Just as I was whiping my tears and was about to ask how he'd gotten here, the group of about 5 girls came around the tree. "Who is that? One said. It was the snob I'd tackeled. "You physco, so now you go out with goths, too?" she replied scarcastically, motioning to Arddith's black attire. The girls with her looked at Arddith strangely, noticing the large sword straped to his belt, and the fact that he wasn't a kid. "Who do you think you are, you geeky little b*tch?" she snarled. The girls behind her were begining to back away, and I was just about ready to tackle her again, when Arddith drew his sword and pointed it at her face. She stood there shocked, her mouth open in mid-insult. "I would not speak to her like that" he warned. His voice was low and threating. She backed up and walked/ran back into the school, practically tripping over her heels. "You're both wacko's!" She tossed over her shoulder before they all retreated into the building. I just rolled my eyes and looked at Arddith. "Those were the populars. They live to ruin other's lives." I explained. He nodded, still looking a bit confused. "But thanks. How did you get here?" I asked, still in disbelief. Arddith returned his sword to it's place. "I missed you, and I needed to see you again." he said softly. "I took some money from the tribes stores and hired a plane here." I was a little shocked. "Won't they get mad that you used the money just to come see me?" He shook his head with a smile. "No, they found the camp to be rather boring without you around." I blushed a bit. "I couldn't stand to be without you..." He sounded timid, almost like a little boy. I wanted to immedatly say how I felt, how upset and empty. I took a moment to organize my thoughts and not just blurt out all my ex-sorrows. Arddith gently held my chin and looked me in the eyes. "Arddith, I want to be with you." I said gently. At that moment, I felt like there was another person in me. Maybe Ari, maybe not. But I knew right then that I couldn't stand to seprate again. "I will be staying in America for a while, if you want me to." he said. I couldn't help giving him another hug and crying "Yes! Stay!" I was only mildly shocked to see his horse by the road, and he gave me a leg up, and we rode towards my house together. I knew that where ever I was, as long as I was with Arddith, my life would be complete.
EPILOUGE
Arddith stayed in America while Estelle finished her education. Even when she went to collage he stayed by her side, through hard times and fun weekends. Kelsey, Krissy, Ryan, and Steven all loved Arddith, and Estelles parents were also very suportive (although they almost had a heart attack when she revealed her 'real' vacation story.) Estelle and Arddith spent many happy years traveling the world together. They were married in the desert a year after her collage graduation. They returned to the desert often, but they had a wonderful home in America. Estelle lived her lifelong dream of acting, and became quite popular for her broadway and films. The public couldn't get enough of 'Estelle Fehr and her loving husband from the desert'. There was a few books written about Estelles life, and everyone's favorite part was the romantic story of how Estelle and Arddith met. Once Estelles friends were married, they would all go on trips together. Arddith and Estelle were happy for all their years, and they spent their whole lives together. They had one son, Odith, who became the Medjai leader after his father. The populars grew up and ended up as wrinkly old maids, without any friends. Estelle and Arddith never took a single moment together for granted, and were eternally in love and happy. Estelle became a very skilled and deadly swordswoman, fighting alongside the Medjai many times. Krissy married a man she met at an anime fest half a year after getting out of high school. Kelsey married a few years after school, a boy she hooked up with through Krissy. Ryan married his high school sweetheart, and they had 2 children. Steven married a millionaire, who made a living by designing toys. Steven was a big help in her job. They all stayed friends for years, and nothing ever came between them, even the distance. And their lives were perfect.